We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Borjon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’m intrigued by this question because I have a “regular job” and that helps me to appreciate my work as a creative more! I’ve worn many hats as a creative and even more as an employee of others. For the greater part of a decade, I’ve worked within the realm of adult education and education technology (EdTech) capacities. Instructors, teachers, whatever it is that you call us, we are afforded some expectation of creativity. There are, however, policies and other responsibilities that we must adhere to. Therefore, having the opportunity to talk about music or create a new instrumental for others to enjoy is a great outlet for me after the expectations and rules of my 9-to-5.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

By the time the late 2010s had arrived, my goal of living and working in South Korea came to fruition, and I pivoted to regular podcasting. Beginning in 2013, I became known as Multifacetedacg (that’s the word multifaceted and my former initial A-C-G), a YouTube music video reactor and commentator on the entertainment phenomenon brought on in the United States by South Korean popular music (K-Pop).

Some memorable experiences while creating content as Multifacetedacg include: co-founding a multimedia entertainment brand, hosting events and moderating panels at prominent events within the niche, and consulting as a historian on K-pop for domestic and South Korean-based entertainment companies. I began producing music independently under the moniker MsBlink, interviewed emerging artists, covered concerts throughout several states, and embraced a culture not so different from my own that truly enriched my life.

By the late 2010s had arrived my goal of living and working in South Korea came to fruition, and I pivoted to regular podcasting. I’m deeply proud of these things and the opportunity to share so many happy, positive experiences with those who’ve supported me around the globe.

These days, though? These days, there are new adventures and challenges before me. I recently announced a long hiatus from content creation within my niche so that I can complete my pursuit of a graduate degree and establish some new ventures. So, although I’m introducing myself to you with a big chunk of who I was in this story, I’m exploring The New Me, too.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Are you asking about one instance? The past three years have been nothing but Ross hollering, “PIVOT!” You know, there are three things I want to dispel in answering this question.

First, there’s no timeframe for pivoting. When the pandemic began, I was experiencing a pivot with my day job from one demographic to another and in-office to remote work. I closed a business and planned to open a new one. Not even a full two years later, I had to close that business due to several occurrences I still have difficulty looking back upon! And now, I’ve taken a break from something I committed to for several years to learn and prepare for something new. More things have happened; I honestly thought all the pivoting would be over at this point, but that’s me placing a start-and-stop on circumstances I have little or no control over.

Second, you won’t always be happy, and that’s okay. Recently, I had conversations with people who care about me, and the topic of happiness arose. While processing what they had to say, I realized that some are too afraid to pursue things because it won’t make them unequivocally happy. I don’t function with happiness as a goal or as a guarantee. I accept that not every pursuit culminates with the success I imagined. In my world, pivoting builds character and wisdom and increases my overall joy and contentment with what I have. That’s irreplaceable.

Finally, we must remind ourselves of what is already well within our souls and what’s already functioning as best as it can for us, especially for those who refer to ourselves as “creatives.” We tend to dwell too heavily on the moments when life lets us down. We cannot call ourselves creatives yet try to prevent the inevitability of change.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Regarding my new pursuit, my goal is to create compassionate adult education and digital literacy learning environments. There’s a sweeping generalization that young adults know how to use the Internet and “technology” and that older adults are too slow and unwilling to learn. My day job is revealing this notion to be untrue. I want to expound on this, but things are still in development. Please anticipate something in 2024!

Regarding podcasting and music production, my love for music drives me. I adore the magic of music and believe that food and music can heal the world. Given the opportunity to talk about things like my favorite producers, nuances in delivery, or songwriting choices, I turn into a human encyclopedia! My podcast, “An Album a Day,” provides me with a space to talk about every album in K-pop. I’m talking about over 30 years of South Korean music exploration, artist by artist. It’s evergreen content that excites me deeply. As MsBlink, I enjoy sharing content on Instagram and Facebook about moments in music history or my works. It’s always fun to receive messages about how a live stream about an artist or song has influenced someone to check out more of that entertainer’s work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://meetashley.carrd.co/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/instructoraborjon
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/a3daypodcast
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a3day
• Other: All MsBlink and An Album a Day Podcast social links are available through my website. Information requests can be submitted through my website.